Arts and Architecture

School of Music presents 2025 Jazz Festival featuring bassist Matthew Garrison

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music will present the 2025 Penn State Jazz Festival, a two-day celebration of jazz featuring workshops, performances and adjudications by esteemed faculty members and world-class guest artist Matthew Garrison. This dynamic festival, to be held April 4–5, will take place at the Penn State School of Music on the University Park campus. All events are free, unticketed and open to the public. 

The festival offers an exciting lineup of educational and performance opportunities, including workshops, masterclasses and concerts featuring high school jazz ensembles and Penn State faculty members David Stambler (saxophone); George Carpten (trumpet); Dan Isbell (trumpet); Charlie Heim (drum set); Joshua Davis (bass), director of Jazz; and Rick Hirsch, Blue Band arranger and Zeropoint director. 

Highlighting this year’s festival is world-renowned bassist Matthew Garrison, a celebrated musician known for his work with Chaka Khan and Joe Zawinul. A virtuoso bassist and innovative composer, Garrison is widely recognized for his groundbreaking approach to jazz fusion and contemporary music. Garrison will present masterclasses, perform with Penn State jazz ensembles and lead special collaborative sessions throughout the festival. Learn more about Garrison through his Facebook page.

The festival welcomes high school jazz bands to participate in workshops and coaching sessions led by Penn State faculty and guest artists. High school registrations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure a spot, register at this link. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

For more information, visit the Jazz Festival website.

Last Updated January 30, 2025